Have you found yourself feeling a bit heavy lately?
Are you struggling to keep a good attitude at work?
Are you short with your spouse and snapping at your children?
You are probably aware of how major life events can affect your mood: expensive vacations, weddings, babies, divorce, sickness, death, or financial distress. Yet many times minor details in life have the most significant impact on our mood. After all, daily routines shape our most frequent experiences.
If you have found yourself in a funk lately, examine the following factors and consider making simple changes in your routines to increase your happiness:
1. H2O. If you repeatedly become lethargic and annoyed throughout the day, you may simply be dehydrated! Make it a point to drink water regularly. Keeping your body sufficiently hydrated may make a noticeable difference in your countenance!
2. Tune In. Music can have a considerable impact on one’s emotional state. Take stock of what music you most often listen to and evaluate the effect on your frame of mind. Make a playlist of your favorite songs that tend to elevate your mood and keep them close by.
3. Aromas. We can associate scents with positive and negative experiences. Identify a few of the favorites that remind you of happy memories or people you love. Then, pick up a candle, essential oil diffuser, or air freshener with that scent to keep on hand and perk you up on a hard day!
4. Weather. Depending on your preference, a dark, cold, or rainy day may weigh heavily on your mental state. While there’s little you can do to change the forecast, see if you can find something positive to associate with unfavorable weather conditions. Consider buying a new raincoat, keeping a heating pad nearby for chilly months, or treating yourself to an exceptional coffee on gloomy mornings. Additionally, you can try a broadspectrum light bulb or lamp as light therapy to elevate your mood.
5. Affirmations. Receiving encouragement from a loved one or coworker often boosts our outlook for the day. Make it a habit to acknowledge those around you and regularly express gratitude for them. You may find that simply by elevating others, you feel uplifted as well.
6. Rest. Getting adequate sleep plays a significant role in your daily outlook. When life gets busy, it’s easy to sacrifice rest, but those 7-8 hours are non-negotiable for a balanced mood and steady energy. Protect your rest by going to bed at a decent hour every night, turning off distracting devices, and creating relaxing nightly routines.
7. Breathe with Intention! When stress creeps in, your breath can be your anchor. Try this simple exercise: inhale for 4 counts and exhale for 8. Repeat a few times, and you’ll notice a sense of calm returning to your mind and body.
Intentional breathing doesn’t just ease stress in the moment—it helps train your brain to stay calm and focused during challenges. It’s a small step with big benefits.
8. Time Outside. Time in nature works wonders for your mood. Whether it’s a short walk in the park, sitting by a sunny window, or simply taking in the fresh air, being outdoors helps clear your mind and recharge your energy.
If you can’t step outside, bring nature indoors—add a plant to your space, listen to calming nature sounds, or gaze out at the sky. Nature has a unique way of grounding us.
9. Money. If you are feeling especially stressed lately, consider any unexpected bills that have recently shown up. It may help to create a new budget, to seek financial assistance, or to set up a payment plan to ease the burden on your mind.
10. The company you keep. Surrounding yourself with negative coworkers, friends, or family can be emotionally taxing. Nurture your positive relationships, and make sure you have healthy boundaries for yourself to protect your mental well-being.
11. Get moving! You don’t have to spend every moment at the gym, but even small amounts of exercise can vastly improve your mood. Try taking a short walk on your lunch break or doing some basic stretches in the morning before your day begins.
If you have found yourself dreading the day or struggling to show love and grace toward your loved ones lately, take a few ideas from this list and make them your own! Maybe you don’t need a vacation from your life; perhaps you need a little daily boost. Purposefully implementing minor changes in your daily routine can significantly impact your mental health.
Life will always have its ups and downs, but taking intentional steps to care for yourself can make all the difference. These simple habits are easy to integrate into your daily routine and can help you feel more balanced, connected, and at peace.
If you’re feeling stretched for time, it might be helpful to sit down with your partner and discuss how you can adjust schedules or responsibilities to make space for these practices. Supporting one another in prioritizing well-being strengthens not just individuals, but the relationship as a whole.
Which of these habits will you try first? Share your experience, and let’s encourage one another to prioritize our well-being. Small steps lead to big changes!
